Centre Director

Centre Director (Parental Leave Cover) – Elwood Children’s Centre Location: Elwood, VICEmployment Type: Fixed Term (March 2026 – January 2027)Hours: Full time, Monday to FridayClassification: Professional Community Standard 2025 About Us Elwood Children’s Centre (ECC) is a community-managed, not-for-profit early childhood education and care service located in the heart of Elwood. We are licensed for 39 children aged 3 months to 6 years and offer both 3-year-old and 4-year-old funded kindergarten programs . Our Centre is built on strong community connections, inclusivity, and a commitment to providing high-quality, play-based learning experiences . We are proud of our warm, collaborative environment where children, families, educators, and the community work together to create a nurturing and inspiring space for learning. The Opportunity We are seeking an experienced and dedicated early childhood leader to join our team as Acting Centre Director during a period of parental leave. This fixed-term role (March 2026 – January 2027) offers the opportunity to lead a passionate and experienced team, ensuring the smooth operation of our much-loved community service. As Centre Director, you will act as the Nominated Supervisor and be responsible for overseeing the daily management of the Centre, including educational programs (in partnership with the educational leader), staff leadership, regulatory compliance, family engagement, and financial management. You will work closely with the Committee of Management, Assistant Director , Educational Leader , and teaching team to maintain ECC’s reputation for excellence in early childhood education. Key Responsibilities Lead and support a team of dedicated educators to deliver high-quality educational programs aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Standards . Ensure compliance with all Education and Care Services National Regulations and National Law requirements. Act as the Nominated Supervisor , ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and inclusion of all children. Develop and maintain strong relationships with families, fostering open communication and community engagement. Oversee administration, enrolments, compliance documentation, and reporting to relevant authorities. Manage the Centre’s budget in collaboration with the Committee of Management, ensuring responsible financial stewardship. Support staff wellbeing, conduct appraisals, and coordinate professional development opportunities. Contribute to the ongoing review of the Quality Improvement Plan and Centre policies. About You To succeed in this role, you will be a confident and compassionate leader who values collaboration, communication, and community. Minimum Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education preferred). Demonstrated leadership experience in an early childhood setting, ideally as a Director, Assistant Director, or Educational Leader. Sound knowledge of early childhood regulations, legislation, and frameworks. Excellent interpersonal, organisational, and communication skills. A commitment to child safety, inclusion, and continuous improvement. Proficiency in relevant software systems (e.g., Xplor, Storypark). Current Working with Children Check , First Aid , Anaphylaxis , and Asthma Management certifications. What We Offer A supportive and experienced team of educators and Committee of Management. A strong community of engaged families. Opportunities for ongoing professional growth. A welcoming, values-driven workplace where your contribution truly makes a difference. How to Apply If you’re an experienced early childhood professional seeking a meaningful leadership opportunity within a warm and community-focused environment, we’d love to hear from you. For further information about Elwood Children’s Centre, visit Child Safety Commitment Elwood Children’s Centre is committed to providing a child-safe environment. We adhere to the Child Safe Standards and promote the safety, participation, and empowerment of all children. #J-18808-Ljbffr